Air Bag Module Cover Side End Rib Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle-use air bag modules lack protection for the side end portion of the module cover against external forces and heat, leading to potential deformation and reduced rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-use air bag module design featuring a plate-like extending portion with a tear line on the module cover, supported by a bracket and side wall of the casing, with additional ribs and caulking rivets for enhanced stability and protection, ensuring the side end portion remains unaffected by external forces or heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the side end portion of the module cover is extended outwardly to protect the tear line, then the protective effect is enhanced, but the rigidity of the extended portion is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The side end portion is segmented into multiple regions: the extended plate-like portion for protection, and the reinforced region with increased thickness for rigidity. This segmentation allows each region to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness of the side end portion is locally increased in the reinforced region to provide enhanced rigidity where needed, while the extended portion maintains its original thickness for protection. This local quality change ensures structural integrity without adding unnecessary weight or complexity throughout the entire component.
2Reliability
If the side end portion is extended outwardly to conceal the tear line, then the tear line protective effect is enhanced, but the side end portion becomes susceptible to external forces and heat
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforced region with increased thickness is positioned beforehand to cushion and absorb external forces and heat before they can affect the extended portion or the tear line. This prior cushioning protects the vulnerable areas from harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforced region acts as an intermediary between the extended portion and the external environment, absorbing and distributing external forces and heat. This intermediary structure protects the tear line and extended portion from direct exposure to harmful factors.
3Reliability
If the side end portion is extended outwardly, then the tear line is concealed from the outside, but the extended portion has reduced structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The side end portion is segmented into the extended portion for concealment and the reinforced region for structural stability. This segmentation allows the extended portion to extend outwardly for protection while the reinforced region maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness is locally increased in the reinforced region to provide enhanced structural stability, while the extended portion maintains its original thickness for concealment. This local quality change ensures the extended portion remains stable without compromising its protective function.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-use air bag module which hardly exerts influence on a side end portion of a module cover even when an external force or heat is applied to the module cover. Ribs are formed on side end portions in the left and right direction of a top plate member of a module cover and are brought into contact with an upper surface portion of a bracket having an approximately L-shape. The bracket is integrally fixed together with the right extending portion having a side tear line and a right side wall of a casing in which an air bag is stored using rivets. A lower end portion of a support portion of the rib is supported on an upper surface portion of the bracket. The side end portion is prevented from being deformed even when an external force is applied from the direction indicated by an arrow C.